Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Hundreds of campers spend damp night waiting for tickets to see Murray
Olympics and US Open winner beats German Benjamin Becker 6-4 6-3 6-2Pippa and James Middleton in attendance along with Condoleezza Rice
Cloudy first morning but pleasant weather expected for opening weekMurray, 26, promised expectant fans he'll 'give everything on the court'
One in 18 London workers plans to skive off work during championship
Shock as Rafael Nadal exits in straight sets to Steve Darcis on Court 1

By MARK DUELL

Safe progress: Andy Murray on his way to a straight-sets win over Germany’s Benjamin Becker Photo: REUTERS

Murray mania rippled through south-west London today as the British number one confidently kicked off his Wimbledon campaign with a straight sets win at the All England Club.
Hundreds of campers had spent a damp night waiting for tickets to see Andy Murray’s first match - with some arriving as early as Saturday afternoon to ensure a place on Centre Court.

Celebrations: Britain's Andy Murray acknowledges the crowd after his first round victory at Wimbledon

Proud: Kim Sears applauds as Andy Murray defeats Germany's Benjamin Becker during day one of Wimbledon

Murray walked onto Centre Court this afternoon to launch his challenge with a match against Germany’s Benjamin Becker, and he won comfortably in straight sets - 6-4 6-3 6-2.
But it wasn't plain sailing for Murray's old foe Rafael Nadal, who astonishingly crashed out after losing in straight sets to Belgian Steve Darcis on Court One - 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (10/8) 6-4.

Meanwhile a major shock happened as Rafael Nadal crashed out after losing in straight sets to Belgian Steve Darcis on Court One.
The crowds have not yet been deterred by the miserable weather over the past few days.

Defeat: Rafael Nadal was not at his best by a long stretch as he was defeated by Steve Darcis of Belgium

Arrival: Pippa and James Middleton are shown to their seats in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon

Among those watching play from the Royal Box this afternoon were the Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton, her brother James and former U.S. secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.

Smiles: Pippa and James Middleton in the Royal Box on Centre Court prior to first round action at Wimbledon

Outside: Spectators crowd the steps around Murray Mount to watch the big screen on day one of Wimbledon

Fans had expressed high hopes for the 26-year-old Scot, who once again hopes to make Wimbledon history and become the first British man to take the trophy since Fred Perry in 1936.